Best Seasons for Annapurna Circuit and Thorang-La Pass Trekking:
March to May with September to early December months of the year, except wet monsoon months of mid June to mid September when days are cloudy that obstructs views of mountains.
But very green with lush vegetations (not recommended during monsoon wet months unless for botanical people to study flora and fauna)
Best time is from March to May when most of day is clear for views and pleasant walks with moderate temperatures, with longer sunlight hours where wild flowers are in blooming times, especially rhododendron of various species from trees to bush of different colored flowers (national flower of Nepal the rhododendron).
March to May in late afternoon can get cloudy with chances of rain and snow in higher altitude.
September to December around autumn /fall and pre winter best times with clear blue sky and sunny days (for short while from morning to mid day) can be cold and freezing during morning and night times above 1,800 m high.
Sunlight hours are short during autumn and winter seasons but most of the morning till late afternoon are clear for views and pleasant walks.
Late and early winter from mid December to February heavy snow-fall might obstructs to cross over Thorang-la and also tough walks to reach Manang valley.
People and Culture:
Low warm farm areas of Nepal Mid West are of mixed ethnic tribes of people with mostly Gurung, Magar with some Tamang including Hindu Brahmin, Chettries and Dalits with various cultures and custom with same farm traditional life of both Hindu and Buddhism religion.
Higher Manang Valley populated by Manang ethnic tribes of Northern Annapurna follows Buddhism religion similar culture to Tibetans with colorful impressive custom and traditions, beyond Manang around Kaligandaki within Mustang area inhabited by Thakali.
A tribe of Lower Mustang and of Kaligandaki River Valley of Buddhism religion and cultures, and above Ghorepani other high and mid hills inhabited by Poon / Magar and Gurung people of both Hindu and Buddhism religions.
Gurung are hill tribe of Annapurna Himalaya range and of Nepal Mid-West practice Buddhism religion along with ancient sect of Bon (pre Buddhism) worshipping nature and natural spirits.
Poon / Magar and Gurung are traditional farmers and cattle herders where most men folk are famous as courageous and brave Gorkha soldiers in British, Indian Army and as well in Singapore police infantry.
Introduction:
Annapurna Circuit and Thorang-La Pass Trekking a great scenic journey listed as world Top Ten Adventure Destinations by many popular Travel Guide books and magazines.
Certainly trekkers will witness and experience on this beautiful walks from low warm country to cooler hills and at arctic zone of ice and glaciers around high Manang valley and on top Thorang-la pass.
Annapurna Circuit and Thorang-La Pass certainly amazes trekkers from the beginning to an end of the journey with mind-blowing views of country beautiful landscapes with range of snow capped peaks.
Besides magnificent scenery walk leads you through nice and lovely villages where you can find great variations of culture, religions and traditions of farm life as altitude gain reaching within more Buddhism country around high and scenic Manang valley.
Starts with long and interesting drive to Nepal Mid West around Lamjung district and at the town of Besisar, where adventure further follows with climb towards cooler hills within nice farm villages facing views of snow capped peaks.
Journey continues walking into serene rhododendron and pine forest to reach at Chame town within Manang area, as route leads to climb to enter scenic valley of Manang from Pisang village onwards adorned with Buddhism prayer monuments surrounded by array of peaks.
Walking leads into main Manang village with time to explore around on rest day with acclimatization hike to view-points close to Gangapurna Himal Ice-Fall with super panorama of Chulus and Annapurna peaks.
Enjoying great moments at Manang village interwoven with lovely Buddhism religion where houses are built similar to Tibetan design along with traditional interesting custom and culture.
After Manang heading towards end of Manang valley with strenuous climb of the adventure to reach on top the highest point at Thorang-La pass above 5,416 m facing amazing mountain views and scenery.
Slowly walk leads towards Kaligandaki to reach Lower Mustang area at Muktinath a holy pilgrimage spot for Hindu religion and as well for some Buddhist followers, from journey heads into world deepest gorge of Kaligandaki sandwiched between giant Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains.
As journey progress loosing elevation to reach warmer farm areas at Tatopani village, a nice village with natural hot spring where trekkers can enjoy soaking into warm pools.
Adventure then heads uphill back into cooler area at Ghorepani in the midst of beautiful rhododendron forest where side hike takes you on top at Poon Hill for glorious sunrise over range of Himalayan peaks.
Finally walk comes to an end heading much lower altitude where short exciting drive takes you at beautiful Pokhara, a renowned touristic city located on the laps of massive Annapurna Mountains that reflects on its serene Phewa Lake.
A marvelous way to conclude our remarkable adventure on nice and scenic city at Pokhara, after a great adventure and experience on Annapurna Circuit and Thorang-La pass trekking.